FEBRUARY 6TH, 1865: Secretary Mallory wrote General Braxton Bragg in Wilmington that Chief Naval Constructor John L. Porter had advised him that a new Confederate vessel could be completed in 90 days. Machinery for the ship was available at Columbus, Georgia, but Mallory sought assurance from Bragg that Wilmington could be held long enough for the machinery to be transported and the ship built.
On the 8th, Bragg replied: "This place will be held so long as our means enable us. There is no indication of any movement against it, and our means of defense are improving."
However, Rear Admiral Porter and General Grant had other plans; Wilmington would be evacuated exactly two weeks later.
Well, Bragg, You Know. --Old B-R'er
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